Panera exec reveals the strategy behind free coffee subscription

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Panera's free coffee subscription has been a catalyst driving growth and revenue, said Eduardo Luz, chief brand and concept officer.

7 benefits of taking the Fast Casual Executive Summit virtual

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

The virtual version of the Fast Casual Executive Summit is Oct. 20-21. Registration is open and is free to the first 500 restaurant executives who sign up.

Marugame Udon noodling around in London

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

July 15, 2020

Marugame Udon, a 1,000-unit udon noodle and tempura chain based in Japan, is opening early next year in London as the result of a joint venture between…

Why Top Chef Joe Sasto is passionate about cannabis cuisine

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Cannabis culinary artist Chef Joe Sasto discusses the art and science behind cannabis pairing dinners.

Summer menu trends revealed: Fruity, refreshing, plant-based

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

For many, summer triggers thoughts of swimming suits, picnics and vacations, but for fast casual restaurants, it signals refreshing limited-time offers.

The bionic bar: Is Iceland's Viking-themed bar the future of fast casual?

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Ice & Fries, a Viking-themed fast casual concept in Iceland, relies on drink-making robots, a bionic dog and 3D technology to provide an epic self-service…

Clean Juice taps black employees to address pandemic of race

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

In an effort to gain some perspective, the founders of Charlotte-based Clean Juice,  invited three black employees to join it's "Be Organic" podcast to discuss…

Networld Media employees honor late founder Alan Fryrear

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Alan Earl Fryrear, co-founder and chairman of Networld Media Group, died at the age of 81 on June 10, 2020.

How Mooyah Ops VP helping franchisees land, navigate PPP funds

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Of the Mooyah franchisees who applied for PPP loans, all but four received them, which totaled $3,419,200.

Kansas City couple beating odds to keep restaurant open amid COVID, protests

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Urban cafe KC owners Chef Justin Clark, and his wife, Rashaun, are operating their restaurant and food truck during uncertain times.

Fast Casuals honoring Pride Month with LTOs, donations

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Although a parade may not be in the cards this year because of COVID-19, restaurants are still finding ways to honor LGBT Pride Month.

Social media backlash leads to Starbucks reversing ban on Black Lives Matter apparel

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

June 12, 2020

After enduring a social media backlash Thursday, Starbucks has not only reversed its policy on banning employees from wearing apparel in support of Black Lives…

Green Market Cafe launching franchising amid pandemic

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Although the pandemic isn't yet behind us, two restaurateurs are moving ahead with franchise plans for their up-and-coming concept, Green Market Cafe.

How Shake Shack, Chipotle supporting racial equality

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

June 8, 2020

Chipotle and Shake Shack, two fast casual brands that the industry holds up as leaders, are showing their support for racial equality.

Restaurants coming to the rescue amid COVID-19

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Restaurants all over the United States are doing their best to provide meals, supplies and funds to employees, frontline workers and members of their…

Following COVID-19: How the virus is affecting the fast casual industry

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

FastCasual is doing its best to track how restaurants are handling the crisis and will update this story as we gather more information.

Torchy's Tacos reopens nearly all dining rooms

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

CEO of Torchy's Tacos GJ Hart said he is seeing promising numbers in stores where the company has reopened dining rooms in Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado and…

Pandemic speeds up operational changes at Sweetgreen

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Like so many other restaurants around the world, Sweetgreen shifted into crisis mode COVID-19 hit but is now preparing for its version of the "new normal."

Zaxby's shares COVID-19 recovery plan

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

After reading the PPP criteria and realizing that Zaxby's qualified, CMO Joel Bulger said the chain applied and then ended up giving back every cent.

COVID-19 isn't cooling growth at Dave's Hot Chicken

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Since launching its franchise plan in October, the 3-year-old concept has signed deals to develop 100 brick-and-mortar locations and plans to hit 200 by year's…